Golf clubs and golf club heads having feel altering systems

ABSTRACT

Golf club heads include: (a) a body having a ball-striking face and a rear face, the body defining a cavity; (b) a bridge member extending across the cavity, wherein the bridge member is provided to affect, at least in part, a position of a center of gravity of the club head; and (c) a feel altering element provided between the bridge member and the rear face. The feel altering element may affect a wide variety of parameters that relate to the “feel” of the golf club head when it strikes a golf ball, such as the sound produced by the club head during the strike, the vibrational response of the club head during the strike, the swing characteristics of the club head (e.g., weight, center of gravity position, etc.), and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/367,750, filed Mar. 6, 2006, and claims priority thereto,which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entiretyand made part hereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to golf clubs and golf club heads.Particular example aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs andgolf club heads having a bridge member and a feel altering system tomodify the feel characteristics of the club head when a ball is struck.Features of golf clubs and golf club heads in accordance with at leastsome examples of this invention may be similar to structures describedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/666,346, filed Sep. 19, 2003 andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/707,599, filed Dec. 23, 2003. Theseearlier applications are entirely incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Various golf club heads have been designed to improve a golfer'saccuracy by assisting the golfer in squaring the club head face atimpact with a golf ball. A number of golf club heads reposition theweight of the golf club head in order to alter the location of the clubhead's center of gravity. The location of the center of gravity of thegolf club head is one factor that determines whether a golf ball ispropelled in the intended direction. When the center of gravity ispositioned behind the point of engagement on the contact surface, thegolf ball follows a generally straight route. When the center of gravityis spaced to a side of the point of engagement, however, the golf ballmay fly in an unintended direction and/or may follow a route that curvesleft or right, ball flights that are often referred to as “pulls,”“pushes,” “draws,” “fades,” “hooks,” or “slices”. Similarly, when thecenter of gravity is spaced above or below the point of engagement, theroute of the golf ball may exhibit more boring or climbing trajectories,respectively.

Golf club heads, such as cavity back club heads, assist the golfer bylocating much of the weight of the golf club head around the golf clubhead perimeter. Generally, these golf club heads are more forgiving thannon-cavity back golf club heads thereby allowing a golf ball to bestruck somewhat off center or mis-hit, while still providing relativelygood distance and accuracy. Cavity back club heads have helped theaverage golfer reduce mis-hits and improve scoring.

Golfers tend to be sensitive to the “feel” of a golf club. The “feel” ofa golf club comprises the combination of various component parts of theclub and various features associated with the club that produce thesensory sensations experienced by the player when a ball is swung atand/or struck. Club weight, weight distribution, aerodynamics, swingspeed, and the like all may affect the “feel” of the club as it swingsand strikes a ball. “Feel” also has been found to be related to thesound produced when a club head strikes a ball to send the ball inmotion. If a club head makes an unpleasant, undesirable, or surprisingsound at impact, a user may flinch, give up on his/her swing, deceleratethe swing, and/or not completely follow-through on the swing, therebyaffecting distance, direction, and/or other performance aspects of theswing and the resulting ball motion. User anticipation of thisunpleasant, undesirable, or surprising sound can affect a swing evenbefore the ball is hit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Golf club heads according to at least some example aspects of thisinvention include: (a) a body having a ball-striking face and a rearface opposite the ball-striking face, the body further defining a rearcavity; (b) a bridge member extending across at least a portion of therear cavity (e.g., in a direction generally from the club head toeportion to the club head heel portion, etc.), wherein the bridge memberis provided to affect, at least in part, a position of a center ofgravity of the golf club head with respect to the striking face; and (c)a feel altering element provided between the bridge member and the rearface. The feel altering element may affect a wide variety of parametersthat relate to the “feel” of the golf club head when it strikes a golfball, such as the sound produced by the club head during the strike, thevibrational response of the club head resulting from the strike, theswing characteristics of the club head (e.g., weight, center of gravityposition, etc.), and the like. Various weighted members and weightpositioning control elements and structures also may be provided as partof the club head structure, optionally engaged with the bridge member,to allow further variation and/or control of the position of the centerof gravity of the club head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitedin the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals indicatesimilar elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of an example golf club having an example golfclub head in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an example golf club head inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of an example golf club head inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example feel altering element that may beincluded in a golf club head structure in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate cross-sectional views of example golf clubheads in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 5 and 5A illustrate cross-sectional views of additional examplegolf club heads in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of another example golf club head inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of another example golf club head inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7A illustrates an example feel altering element that may beincluded in a golf club head structure in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example golf clubhead in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example golf clubhead in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 10A through 10C illustrate rear views of an example golf club headin accordance with the present invention with a weight chip attached tothe bridge member at various different fixed locations;

FIGS. 11A through 11C illustrate rear views of another example golf clubhead in accordance with the present invention with an elliptical shapedweight member attached to the bridge member at various different fixedlocations;

FIGS. 12A through 12C illustrate rear views of another example golf clubhead in accordance with the present invention with a rail and weightassembly located at various different positions on the bridge member;

FIG. 12D provides a more detailed illustration of the example rail andweight assembly shown in FIGS. 12A through 12C;

FIGS. 13A through 13C illustrate rear views of another example golf clubhead in accordance with the present invention with a rail integral to abridge member and an elliptical shaped weight attached to the rail atvarious different locations along the rail;

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of an example golf club head inaccordance with the present invention with a plurality of weightsattached to a bridge member; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of another example golf club head inaccordance with the present invention with a plurality of weightsattached to rail assembly integral to a bridge member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and the accompanying figures disclose featuresof golf clubs in accordance with the present invention (e.g., iron orhybrid type golf clubs and golf club heads). Each golf club includes agolf club head with a feel altering system for varying at least someaspect of the club's “feel,” such as the sound emitted during a golfball strike, a vibrational response of the club, etc.

I. General Description of Aspects of the Invention

Aspects of this invention relate to golf club heads and golf clubsincluding such golf club heads. Golf club heads according to at leastsome example aspects of this invention may include: (a) a body having aball-striking face and a rear face opposite the ball-striking face, thebody further defining a rear cavity; (b) a bridge member extendingacross at least a portion of the rear cavity (e.g., in a directiongenerally from the club head toe portion to the club head heel portion,etc.), wherein the bridge member is provided to affect, at least inpart, a position of a center of gravity of the golf club head; and (c) afeel altering element provided between the bridge member and the rearface (e.g., in the rear cavity). The feel altering element may affect awide variety of parameters that relate to the “feel” of the golf clubhead when it is swung at and/or strikes a golf ball, such as the soundproduced by the club head during the strike, the vibrational response ofthe club head during the strike, the swing characteristics of the clubhead (e.g., weight, center of gravity position, etc.), and the like. Inat least some examples, the feel altering element may constitute apolymeric material, such as a polymeric shell material, a fluid-tightchamber filled with air or other fluid, optionally air or other gasunder pressure, and the like.

Additional example golf club head structures in accordance with thisinvention may include the following: (a) a club head body having a heel,a toe, a top portion, a sole portion, a striking face extending from thetop portion to the sole portion, the striking face providing a contactarea for engaging a golf ball, and a rear face opposite the strikingface, the club head body further defining a first rear cavity; (b) abridge member extending across at least a portion of the first rearcavity (e.g., in a direction generally from the toe to the heel, etc.);(c) a feel altering element (e.g., like those described above anddescribed in more detail below) provided between the bridge member andthe rear face; (d) a first wall extending from the sole portion to thebridge member, the first wall forming a second rear cavity, the secondrear cavity and the bridge member provided to affect, at least in part,a position of a center of gravity of the golf club head with respect tothe striking face; and/or (e) a second wall extending from the topportion to the bridge member, the second wall forming a third rearcavity, the third rear cavity and the bridge member provided to affect,at least in part, the position of the center of gravity of the golf clubhead with respect to the striking face. While club heads may includeboth the first wall and the second wall described above or a single wallextending from the sole portion to the top portion of the club head, atleast some example club head structures according to the invention willinclude only the first wall (extending from the sole portion to thebridge member) and other example club head structures according to theinvention will include only the second wall (extending from the topportion to the bridge member).

Still other example golf club head structures in accordance with thisinvention will include: (a) a body having a striking face with a contactarea for engaging a golf ball, the body further having a rear cavityopposite the striking face; (b) a bridge member extending across atleast a portion of the rear cavity; (c) a feel altering element (e.g.,of the types described above and described in more detail below)provided between the bridge member and the rear face; and (d) at leastone weight member engaged with the bridge member and provided to affect,at least in part, a position of a center of gravity of the golf clubhead with respect to the striking face. The weight member(s) may bemovably mounted on the bridge member and selectively adjustable so as topermit control of the position of the center of gravity of golf clubhead in one or more different directions (e.g., by moving the weightmembers to discrete, separate locations; by sliding the weight member(s)to different locations; by rotating the weight members to differentrotational positions; etc.). Additionally, if desired, one or more ofthe weight members may be disengageable from the bridge member to allowexchange with different weight members, optionally weight members havingdifferent weights, weight distributions, and/or other characteristics,to allow further selectivity and control of the position of the centerof gravity of the club head.

If desired, in accordance with at least some examples of this invention,the bridge member of the club head may include a weight positioningassembly integral therewith. This weight positioning assembly mayinclude, for example, a rail and one or more weight members movably (andoptionally removably) connected to the rail, wherein the weightmember(s) is (are) movable along the rail so as to allow, at least inpart, selective variation and control of a position of a center ofgravity of the golf club head in at least a first direction.Additionally, if desired, the weight member(s) may be rotatable about anaxis and not symmetrically weighted so as to allow, at least in part,further variation and control on the position of the center of gravityof the golf club head, e.g., in a second direction with respect to thestriking face.

Still further aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs. Golf clubsin accordance with at least some examples of the invention may includegolf club heads, bridge members, one or more weighted members, and/orone or more feel altering elements of the various types described above.Golf clubs in accordance with examples of this invention further mayinclude shaft members extending from the club head bodies, grip elementsattached to the shaft members, and/or other features, includingconventional features known and used in the art.

Still additional aspects of this invention relate to sets of golf clubheads and/or sets of golf clubs including golf club heads according tothis invention. The sets of golf club heads and golf clubs may beprovided with progressively differing striking face angles, lie angles,bridge member locations and/or other characteristics, weighted memberand/or other weighting characteristics, and the like so as to provide aset of golf clubs (e.g., irons), for example, from long irons (e.g., twoor more of zero irons through five irons) to short irons (e.g., two ormore of six irons through various wedge designs), with differing centerof gravity locations.

Given the general description of aspects of the invention providedabove, more detailed descriptions of various specific examples of golfclubs and golf club head structures according to the invention areprovided below.

II. Detailed Description of Example Golf Club Heads and Golf ClubStructures According to the Invention

The following discussion and accompanying figures describe various golfclubs and golf club head structures in accordance with examples of thepresent invention. As more specific examples, golf club heads inaccordance with examples of the present invention may be utilized forlong iron clubs (e.g., driving irons, zero irons through five irons, andhybrid type golf clubs) and for short iron clubs (e.g., six ironsthrough pitching wedges, as well as sand wedges, lob wedges, gap wedges,and/or other wedges). In the more detailed description that follows,FIGS. 1-5A illustrate examples of long iron clubs including exampleaspects of the present invention, while, FIGS. 6-9 illustrate examplesof short iron clubs including example aspects of the present invention.Of course, if desired, any iron or hybrid club head could have thestructures shown in FIGS. 1-5A and/or any iron or hybrid club head couldhave the structures shown in FIGS. 6-9 without departing from theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a golf club 100 in accordance with at least someexamples of this invention includes a shaft 102 and a golf club head 104attached to the shaft 102. The golf club head 104 of FIG. 1 may berepresentative of any iron or hybrid type golf club head in accordancewith examples of the present invention. The shaft 102 of golf club 100may be made of various materials, such as steel, titanium, graphite, ora composite material, as well as combinations thereof, includingmaterials that are conventionally known and used in the art.Additionally, the shaft 102 may be attached to the club head 104 in anydesired manner, including in conventional manners known and used in theart (e.g., via adhesives or cements at a hosel element, via threads orother mechanical connectors, etc.). A grip element 106 is positioned onthe shaft 102 to provide a golfer with a slip resistant surface withwhich to grasp golf club shaft 102. The grip element 106 may be attachedto the shaft 102 in any desired manner, including in conventionalmanners known and used in the art (e.g., via adhesives or cements,threads or other mechanical connectors, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 2, the golf club head 104 includes a body member 202that includes a heel portion 204 and a toe portion 206. The heel portion204 is attached to and/or extends from a hosel 208 (e.g., as a unitaryor integral one piece construction, as separate connected elements,etc.) for connecting the shaft 102 to the golf club head 104. The bodymember 202 also includes a top portion 210 and a sole portion 212. Astriking face 214 is provided between the top portion 210 and the soleportion 212, and between the toe 206 and the heel 204. The striking face214 provides a contact area for engaging and propelling a golf ball inan intended direction. The striking face 214 may include grooves 216(e.g., generally horizontal grooves 216 extending across the face 214 inthe illustrated example) for the removal of water and grass from thestriking face 214 during a ball strike. Of course, any number ofgrooves, desired groove patterns, and/or groove constructions may beprovided (or even no groove pattern, if desired), including conventionalgroove patterns and/or constructions, without departing from thisinvention.

The body member 202 of the golf club head 104 may be constructed from awide variety of different materials, including materials conventionallyknown and used in the art, such as steel, titanium, aluminum, tungsten,graphite, polymers, or composites, or combinations thereof. Also, ifdesired, the club head 104 may be made from any number of pieces (e.g.,having a separate face plate, etc.) and/or by any constructiontechnique, including, for example, casting, forging, welding, and/orother methods known and used in the art.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a golf club head 104 in accordancewith at least some examples of this invention. This example golf clubhead 104 includes a rear face 220 positioned opposite the striking face214. The club head body member 202 further forms or defines a first rearcavity 222, which in this example club head structure 104 includes alarge opening. A bridge member 224 extends across the first rear cavity222, and this bridge member 224 may connect the heel portion 204 of theclub head 104 to the toe portion 206. Bridge member 224 may extendacross the first rear cavity 222 in other directions and may beconnected at various other locations on a golf club head structurewithout departing from the invention, as shown, for example, in U.S.Pat. No. 6,450,897 issued on Sep. 17, 2002 to John T. Stites, et al.,which patent is entirely incorporated herein by reference. Bridge member224 may have any desired shape, such as rectangular, oval, triangular,trapezoidal, square, or other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes. Bridgemember 224 also may have a uniform or non-uniform width or thicknessthroughout its length.

Bridge member 224 may be connected to the toe portion 206 and/or theheel portion 204 (or other portion(s)) of the club head 104 in anydesired manner, including through the use of mechanical connectors (suchas rivets or screws 226) or fusion techniques (such as welding,soldering, brazing, etc.). Those skilled in the art will recognize thatbridge member 224 may be connected to the toe portion 206 and/or theheel portion 204 using fewer or additional connection points or elementsand/or through numerous other connection means and/or techniques withoutdeparting from the present invention. As still additional examples, ifdesired, bridge member 224 may be formed with the golf club head 104 ina single casting and/or as a single unitary element, thereby making thebridge member 224 a one piece construction with the golf club head 104.Cements or adhesives also may be used to secure the bridge member 224 tothe club head 104, if desired, without departing from this invention.

In the golf club head structure 104 according to this illustratedexample of the invention, a second rear cavity 228 is provided below thebridge member 224, as shown in FIG. 3. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 4A,cross-sectional views of example golf club heads 104 are illustrated. Inthese example arrangements, a wall 230 extends from the sole portion 212of the club head 104 to the bridge member 224. The wall 230, at least inpart, creates or defines the second rear cavity 228, which includes anopening positioned below bridge member 224 in this club head structure104. The wall 230 may be formed so as to include a front surface (facingoutward, toward second cavity 228), a back surface (facing inward,toward first cavity 222), a top surface, and a bottom surface. Ifdesired, a space may exist between the back surface of wall 230 and therear face 220 of the golf club head 104.

The wall 230 may be integrally formed with the club head 104 and/or thebridge member 224, e.g., to provide additional support and stiffness tothe bridge member 224. Wall 230 may be linear, curved, or otherwiseshaped, e.g., optionally depending upon the shape of bridge member 224,the shape of the club head 104, desired aesthetics, etc. Like the clubhead 104, the wall 230 and/or the bridge member 224 may be made from awide variety of materials, such as stainless steel, titanium, graphite,plastic, a composite material, combinations thereof, and/or othermaterials conventionally used in golf club head construction andmanufacture. Also, the club head 104, the wall 230, and the bridgemember 224 may be made from the same or different materials withoutdeparting from this invention. The additional support and stiffness tobridge member 224 provided by the wall 230, if any, may help prevent orreduce deformation of bridge member 224 upon contact with a golf ball.In addition, if desired, the wall 230 may provide at least somevibration damping effect upon impact of striking face 214 with a golfball.

The wall 230 may be secured in the club head structure 104 (e.g., to thebridge member 224 and/or to other portions of the club head 104) in anydesired manner without departing from this invention. As some morespecific examples, the front surface and/or the bottom surface of wall230 may be secured to the bridge member 224 and the sole portion 212,respectively, using an adhesive or cement. Optionally, if desired, thewall 230 may fit into grooves or recessed areas provided in the surfacesof the bridge member 224 and/or the sole portion 212. Those skilled inthe art will recognize that numerous other ways exist to attach the wall230 to the bridge member 224 and sole portion 212 (or to other portionsof the club head structure 104) without departing from this invention.These numerous other ways of attachment are contemplated and fall withinthe scope of the present invention. Also, if desired, the wall 230 maybe made of multiple pieces that extend continuously or discontinuously,e.g., along the bridge member 224.

FIGS. 3 and 4 further illustrate inclusion of a feel altering element232 as part of the club head structure 104. FIG. 3A illustrates anexample of a feel altering element 232 for this club head structure 104in more detail. As shown, the feel altering element 232 of thisillustrated example is a shell or plate member that fits in the firstrecess cavity 222, between the bridge member 224 and the rear surface220 of the club head structure 104. The feel altering element 232 may bemade from any desired materials without departing from this invention,including, for example, plastic or polymeric materials, metals,ceramics, fabrics, textiles, natural or synthetic rubbers, or the like.In accordance with at least some examples of the invention, the feelaltering element 232 will be made of a polymeric material formed as ashell or plate member, such as plastic materials like polyethylenes,polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyvinylchlorides, and the like. The feelaltering element may be relatively stiff so as to at least generallyhold its own shape, or it may be rather flexible to enable it to filland/or at least generally take the shape of the recess into which it isfit.

The inclusion of the feel altering element 232 may be used to control orchange various feel aspects of the club head 104, such as the soundemitted by the club head 104 during contact with a golf ball, the swingweight and/or center of gravity characteristics of the club head 104,the vibrational response of the club head 104 during contact with a golfball (e.g., to reduce or eliminate a “stinging” or other undesirablevibrational sensation to the user's hands, etc.), and the like. Thematerial, its positioning, its thickness, its size, and the like of thefeel altering element 232 may be used to “tune” the golf club's feel toa feel desired by club designers and/or individual users.

FIGS. 3, 3A, and 4 illustrate the feel altering element 232 as a singlepiece, single plate or shell material that fits into the first recesscavity 222 and essentially covers the entire cavity 222. Any manner ofholding the feel altering element 232 in place may be used withoutdeparting from this invention. For example, adhesives or cements may beused to hold the element 232 in place in the cavity 222 and/or againstbridge member 224. As additional examples, if desired, an edge orprojection on the edge of the feel altering element 232 may fit into agroove, slot, or other receptacle provided in the club head structure104 (e.g., on the perimeter of the recess cavity 222, in the rear face220, in the sole portion 212, etc.) or vice versa. As still additionalexamples, if desired, the feel altering element 232 may be held in placevia a friction fit or due to a spring-like or expansion effect of theelement 232's construction. Additionally, if desired, the feel alteringelement 232 may be made from multiple pieces and/or it need notcompletely fill the rear cavity 222.

Other feel altering element structures are possible without departingfrom this invention. For example, in the example club head structure 104illustrated in FIG. 4A, the feel altering element 234 defines a chamber236, optionally a fluid-tight chamber. Optionally, if desired, a fluid(e.g., a gas or liquid, such as air, water, nitrogen, noble gasses, orthe like) may be provided in the chamber 236 to allow further changes tothe sound, vibrational response, and/or other feel characteristicsgenerated by the club head 104 in use. If desired, the fluid in thechamber 236 may be pressurized, which can be used to provide stilldifferent sound, vibrational response, or other feel characteristics tothe club head structure 104 during use.

The feel altering element 234 may be held in place in the club headstructure 104 in any desired manner without departing from theinvention, including in the various ways described above for element232. Optionally, if desired, a retaining element (such as wall 230, anannular ring or other retaining device, or the like) may be provided tohelp hold the element 234 in place in the club head structure 104. Theelement 234 may be made of any desired materials, including rigid,flexible, or pliable materials, e.g., of the various types describedabove for element 232. In some examples, the element 234 will be an airbladder or air bag type structure, optionally quite flexible to conformto the shape of the recess in which it is placed. Also, if desired,multiple elements 234 or various combinations of elements 232 and 234may be provided in an individual club head structure 104 withoutdeparting from this invention.

During the game of golf, an individual holds the grip 106 and swings thegolf club 100 such that club head 104 traverses a generally arcuate pathand impacts a golf ball. A portion of the inertia of the golf club 100,and particularly the inertia of the golf club head 104, then istransferred to the golf ball to propel the golf ball. The position of acenter of gravity of the club head 104 during the ball strike has aninfluence upon the ball's flight, e.g., whether the golf ball curvesright, curves left, or follows a generally straight route, as well asthe extent of the curvature and/or the direction of the route. The golfball will follow a generally straight route when the club head 104'scenter of gravity is positioned directly behind the point of engagementof the ball with the striking face 214. When the club head 104's centerof gravity is spaced to one side of this point of engagement with theball, however, the golf ball may follow a route that curves left orright. The position of the center of gravity of golf club head 104during contact with a ball also will influence whether the golf ballexhibits a low, boring trajectory or a high, climbing trajectory,depending upon whether the center of gravity is spaced above or belowthe point of engagement of the ball on striking face 214.

Although the concepts behind utilizing a golf club 100 to propel a golfball toward an intended target appear relatively simple, the actualpractice of propelling the golf ball in an intended manner can be quitedifficult. The golf ball may, for example, consistently curve rightwhen, in fact, the individual intends to propel the golf ball along asubstantially straight route. Many conventional golf club heads have acenter of gravity located at the striking face. However, changing theposition of the center of gravity of the golf club head 104 fordifferent golf clubs may assist many golfers in squaring the club headface 104 upon impact with a golf ball and better propelling the ballalong its intended path. Positioning the center of gravity away from thestriking face 214 and toward the rear of the golf club head 104 mayconform to the play characteristics, style, and preferences of manygolfers. Accordingly, golfers may be able to correct or modify the routeof a golf ball by using the golf club head 104 of the present inventionas the center of gravity of golf club head 104 is repositioned withrespect to striking face 214 as compared to other golf club heads.

The center of gravity of golf club head 104, also referred to herein asits “center of mass,” is defined as an equilibrium point. Morespecifically, the center of gravity of golf club head 104 is a point atwhich the entire weight of golf club head 104 may be considered asconcentrated so that, if supported at that point, the club head 104would remain in static equilibrium in any position. The location of thecenter of gravity of golf club head 104 may be changed by altering theweight distribution of the golf club head 104, e.g., by positioningadditional weight away from the striking face 214. Altering the weightdistribution of golf club head 104 in accordance with at least someexamples of this invention (such as the examples illustrated in FIGS. 3,4, and 4A) may be accomplished, at least in part, with the use of bridgemember 224, wall 230, and/or feel altering elements 232 and/or 234.

For example, bridge member 224 may be used to increase the weight of theback of the golf club head 104 relative to the striking face 214. Thisincrease in weight toward the rear of golf club head 104 alters theposition of the center of gravity of golf club head 104. By moving thecenter of gravity lower and toward the rear of the golf club head 104,the golf club 100 will tend to have an increased loft upon impact with agolf ball. In addition, the shape, location, and weight distribution ofbridge member 224 also may influence the location of the center ofgravity of golf club head 104. For example, on longer iron clubs (e.g.,driving irons, zero through five irons, and/or hybrid clubs), it may bedesirable for at least some golfers to have the center of gravity lowerthan on the shorter iron clubs. On the longer iron or hybrid clubs, alower center of gravity typically will assist a golfer in obtainingadditional loft and lift on their golf shot, enabling them to better getthese shots airborne. Therefore, in accordance with at least someexamples of this invention, the bridge member 224 for driving irons,longer iron clubs, and/or hybrid type clubs may be positioned lower onthe rear of the golf club head body 104 as compared to the bridge member224 position on a shorter iron club.

The lowering of the center of gravity of the golf club head 104 also maybe accomplished, at least in part, through the use of wall 230 or thefeel altering elements 232 and 234. These elements 230, 232, and/or 234also may be used to increase the weight of the back of the golf clubhead 104 relative to the striking face 214. This increase in weight tothe back of golf club head 104 at the low position on the club head 104lowers the center of gravity of the club head 104, thus generallyallowing the golf club head 104 to propel a golf ball with a highertrajectory. In addition, wall 230 and/or feel altering elements 232 and234 may be used to increase the support of bridge member 224 and mayprevent or reduce deformation of bridge member 224 upon contact with agolf ball. This added support may tend to increase the distance that agolf ball travels after impact with the club head 104.

Other features of a club head 104 also may be used to control and/orvary the position of the center of gravity of a club head 104. Forexample, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 5A, the position of the center ofgravity of a golf club head 104 also may be modified by placing amaterial 238 in the second rear cavity 228 to at least partially fillthe second rear cavity 228. The material 238 placed in the second rearcavity 228 may include an epoxy and/or a high density material, such asa material made from or including lead, tungsten, a lead-containingalloy or material, a tungsten-containing alloy or material orcombinations thereof. In addition or alternatively, if desired, thematerial 238 placed in the second rear cavity 228 may comprise avibration damping material to further impact feel characteristics of theclub head structure 104. By placing a weighted material 238 in thesecond rear cavity 228, the position of a center of gravity of the golfclub head 104 with respect to the striking face 214 may be varied andcontrolled. In particular, the center of gravity of golf club head 104relative to the striking face 214 may be lowered (e.g., when the secondrear cavity 228 is located at the lower back portion of the club head104 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A), thereby assisting the golfer inobtaining additional loft of the golf shot. The material 238 may be fitinto the recess 228 and held therein in any desired manner withoutdeparting from the invention, such as via adhesives, mechanicalconnectors, friction fits, fusing techniques, etc. Alternatively, ifdesired, the material 238 and/or portions thereof may be integrallyformed as a unitary one piece construction with any one or more ofbridge member 224, wall member 230, feel altering elements 232 and/or234, or the club head 104.

FIGS. 6 through 9 illustrate another example golf club head structure600 in accordance with at least some examples of this invention (e.g.,for use in the shorter irons, such as six irons through various wedges,although the various features may be used in any desired iron or hybridclub structure). In this example structure 600, the golf club head 600includes a body member 602 that includes a heel portion 604 and a toeportion 606. The heel portion 604 is attached to or extends from a hosel608 for connecting to a shaft 610, as generally described above inconjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2. The body member 602 also includes a topportion 612 and a sole portion 614. A striking face 616 is provided inthe area between the top portion 612, the sole portion 614, the toeportion 606, and the heel portion 604. The striking face 616 provides acontact area for engaging and propelling a golf ball, e.g., in themanner described above. The striking face 616 may include grooves 618,e.g., horizontal grooves, for the removal of water and grass from thestriking face 616 during a ball strike. The body 602 of the golf clubhead 600 may be constructed from one or more pieces of variousmaterials, such as steel, titanium, aluminum, tungsten, graphite,polymers, or composites or combinations thereof as described above inconjunction with FIGS. 1-5A, and the golf club head 600 may be includedin a golf club structure in any desired manner (e.g., attached to theshaft 610), including the various manners described above in conjunctionwith FIGS. 1-5A.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of a golf club head 600 according to atleast some examples of this invention. Golf club head 600 of thisexample structure includes a rear face 620 positioned opposite thestriking face 616. The body member 602 further forms and defines a firstrear cavity 622, which in this example club head structure 600 has alarge opening. A bridge member 624 extends across the first rear cavity622, e.g., in a direction from and/or connecting the heel portion 604 tothe toe portion 606. Bridge member 624 may extend across the first rearcavity 622 and connect to various other locations on the golf club head600, as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,897 to John T.Stites, et al. The bridge member 624 may be constructed in variousshapes, as described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-5A, and it may beformed with and/or connected to the remainder of the golf club headstructure 600 in any desired manner, including the manners describedabove in conjunction with FIGS. 1-5A.

A second rear cavity 626 is illustrated in FIG. 7, in this examplestructure 600 located above the bridge member 624. FIG. 8 provides across-sectional view of the example golf club head 600 showing thisadditional rear cavity 626. As shown in FIG. 8, a wall 630 extends fromthe top portion 612 of the club head 600 to the bridge member 624. Thewall 630 creates and defines, at least in part, the second rear cavity626, which includes an opening positioned above bridge member 624. Asshown in FIG. 8, the wall 630 may include a front surface (facingoutside the club head structure 600 toward second rear cavity 626), aback surface (facing inside the club head structure 600 toward the firstrear cavity 622), a top surface, and a bottom surface. A space may existbetween the back surface of wall 630 and the rear face 620 of the golfclub head 600.

Wall 630 may be integrally formed with the club head structure 600and/or with the bridge member 624, if desired, to provide additionalsupport and stiffness to bridge member 624. The wall 630 may be linear,curved, or otherwise shaped, e.g., optionally depending upon the shapeof bridge member 624, the shape of the club head 600, and/or desiredaesthetics. Like the club head 600, the wall 630 and/or the bridgemember 624 may be made from a wide variety of materials, such asstainless steel, titanium, graphite, plastic, or a composite material orcombinations thereof, and the club head 600, wall 630, and bridge member624 may be made from the same or different materials without departingfrom this invention. The additional support and stiffness to bridgemember 624 provided by wall 630, if any, may help prevent or reducedeformation of bridge member 624 upon contact with a golf ball during aswing. In addition, if desired, the wall 630 may provide at least somevibration damping effect upon impact of striking face 616 with a golfball.

In at least some example structures, if desired, the front surfaceand/or the top surface of wall 630 may be secured to the bridge member624 and/or top portion 612 of the club head 600, e.g., using anadhesive, mechanical connectors, fusing techniques, etc. Those skilledin the art will recognize that numerous ways exist to attach the wall630 to the remainder of the club head structure 600, and any of thesevarious ways may be used without departing from the present invention.Also, if desired, the wall 630 may be made of multiple pieces thatextend continuously or discontinuously, e.g., along the bridge member624.

Bridge member 624 increases the weight of the back of the golf club head600 relative to its striking face 616. This increase in weight towardthe rear of golf club head 600 alters the center of gravity of golf clubhead 600. By moving the center of gravity higher and toward the rear ofthe golf club head, a golf ball generally may be propelled with a lowerand/or more controlled trajectory.

The shape, weight distribution, and/or location of bridge member 624also may influence the location of the center of gravity of golf clubhead 600. For example, on the shorter iron clubs (e.g., six iron throughthe pitching wedge or other wedges), it may be desirable for at leastsome golfers to have a center of gravity higher than that provided onthe longer iron and/or hybrid clubs. On the shorter iron clubs, a highercenter of gravity may enable at least some golfers to have greatercontrol over the flight of the golf ball. Therefore, the bridge member624 for shorter iron clubs may be positioned somewhat higher on the rearof the golf club head body 600 as compared to a bridge member on longeriron or hybrid type clubs (e.g., as seen by a comparison of FIGS. 3-4with FIGS. 7-8).

FIGS. 7 and 8 further illustrate inclusion of a feel altering element632 as part of the club head structure 600. FIG. 7A illustrates anexample of the feel altering element 632 of this structure 600 in moredetail. As shown, the feel altering element 632 of this illustratedexample is a thin plate or shell member that fits in the first recesscavity 622, between the bridge member 624 and the rear surface 620 ofthe club head structure 600 and essentially covers the entire cavity622. The feel altering element 632 may be made from any desiredmaterials without departing from this invention, including, for example,the various materials and in the various constructions described abovefor elements 232 and/or 234. The feel altering element 632 may berelatively stiff so as to at least generally hold its own shape, or itmay be rather flexible and/or pliable to enable it to at least generallytake the shape of the recess into which it is fit. The inclusion of thefeel altering element 632 may be used to control or change various feelaspects of the club head 600, such as the sound emitted by the club head600 during contact with a golf ball, the swing weight and/or center ofgravity characteristics of the club head 600, vibrational response ofthe club head 600 during contact with a golf ball (e.g., to reduce oreliminate a “stinging” or other vibrational sensation to the user'shands, etc.), and the like. The material of the feel altering element,its positioning, its thickness, its size, and the like may be used to“tune” the golf club's feel to a feel desired by club designers and/orindividual users. Additionally, if desired, the feel altering element632 may be made from multiple pieces and/or it need not completely fillthe rear cavity 622.

FIGS. 7, 7A, and 8 illustrate the feel altering element 632 as a singlepiece, thin shell or plate material that fits into the first recesscavity 622. Any manner of holding the feel altering element 632 in placemay be used without departing from this invention, such as adhesives orcements; edges or projections fitting into corresponding grooves orrecesses on the club head structure 104 (e.g., on the perimeter of therecess cavity 222, in the rear face 220, etc.) or vice versa; frictionfits; a spring-like or expansion fit; etc. Also, feel altering elementslike those illustrated and described above in conjunction with FIGS. 4Aand 5A (with chambers, including fluid-filled chambers and/orpressurized chambers) may be used in the club head structure of FIGS.6-8 without departing from the invention.

Raising the center of gravity of golf club head 600 also may beaccomplished, at least in part, through the use of the wall 630. Wall630 may be used to increase the weight on the back of the golf club head600 relative to the striking face 616. This increase in weight to thehigh back portion of golf club head 600 raises the center of gravity ofgolf club head 600, thereby better allowing the golf club head 600 topropel a golf ball with a somewhat lower and more controlled trajectory.

Other features also may be used to control and vary the location of thecenter of gravity of a golf club head 600 without departing from theinvention. For example, with reference to FIG. 9, if desired, theposition of the center of gravity of a golf club head 600 also may bemodified and controlled by placing a material 634 in the second rearcavity 626 in order to at least partially fill the second rear cavity626. The material 634 provided in the second rear cavity 626 may be anydesired material, including, for example, an epoxy and/or a high densitymaterial made from or including materials such as lead, tungsten, alead-containing alloy or material, a tungsten-containing alloy ormaterial, or combinations thereof. In addition, if desired, the material634 provided in the second rear cavity 626 may include a vibrationdamping material. By providing material 634 in the second rear cavity626, the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 600with respect to the striking face 616 may be further varied andcontrolled. In particular, the center of gravity of golf club head 600relative to the striking face 616 may be raised in this examplestructure, thereby providing the golf club head 600 with a lower initialloft when impacting a golf ball.

A feel altering element in accordance with at least some examples ofthis invention may be used in conjunction with a wide variety of othercavity back or other golf club head structures without departing fromthis invention. Various additional example golf club head structureswith feel altering elements and/or removable and/or customizableweighting features are described in more detail below in conjunctionwith FIGS. 10A through 15. FIGS. 10A through 15 generally illustratefeatures of the rear side of a club head structure. Those skilled in theart will recognize and appreciate that golf club head structures mayinclude any desired front structure or configuration without departingfrom this invention. While recognizing this potential variability, theillustrated examples describe various club head structures with a frontface, for example of the types illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6.

FIGS. 10A through 10C illustrate rear views of a golf club head 1000 inaccordance with at least some examples of this invention. Golf club head1000 of this example structure includes a rear cavity 1002 positionedopposite the striking face. A bridge member 1004 having a front surface1006 and a back surface 1008 extends across the rear cavity 1002, in adirection of and optionally connected with or otherwise extending fromthe heel portion 1010 to the toe portion 1012 of the club head 1000.Bridge member 1004 also may extend across the rear cavity 1002 and/or beconnected at various other locations on the golf club head 1000 asshown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,897. The bridge member 1004may be constructed in various shapes, as described above in conjunctionwith FIGS. 1-5A, and it may be formed with and/or connected to theremainder of the golf club head structure 1000 in any desired manner,including the various manners described above in conjunction with FIGS.1-5A.

If desired, the bridge member 1004 may be formed with the golf club head1000 in a single casting thereby making the bridge member 1004 integralwith the golf club head 1000. As an alternative, if desired, bridgemember 1004 may be connected to the toe portion 1012 and heel portion1010 of the club head structure 1000 (or other portions) usingmechanical connectors, such as rivets or screws 1014, cements oradhesives, fusion techniques (such as welding, soldering, or brazing),and the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize, of course, thatbridge member 1004 may be connected to the toe portion 1012 and/or theheel portion 1010 using fewer or additional connection points and/orthrough numerous other connection techniques and means without departingfrom the present invention.

As further shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C, the club head structure 1000includes a feel altering element 1016, e.g., provided between the bridgemember 1004 and the rear face 1002 of the club head structure 1000. Thefeel altering element 1016 may take on the various forms and beconnected with the remainder of the club head structure 1000 in anydesired manner, including the various forms and manners described abovein conjunction with FIGS. 1-9 for elements 232, 234, and/or 632.

In accordance with at least some examples of this invention, bridgemember 1004 may have one or more weights 1018 attached to it, e.g., tothe front surface 1006 of bridge member 1004, e.g., at various fixedlocations as shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C. As more specific examples,FIG. 10A illustrates weight 1018 attached to the front surface 1006 ofbridge member 1004 closer to toe portion 1012 of golf club head 1000. Asalternatives, weight 1018 may be attached to the front surface 1006 inthe center of the bridge member 1004 (FIG. 10B) or closer to the heelportion 1010 of golf club head 1000 (FIG. 10C). As still additionalexamples, if desired, one or more weights 1018 may be attached tovarious locations on the back surface 1008 of bridge member 1004 and/orfit into slots, grooves, or other receptacles formed in the bridgemember 1004 without departing from this invention.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, of course, that weight 1018 maybe made of various shapes and/or sizes, such as rectangular, oval,triangular, trapezoidal, square, elliptical, or other symmetrical orasymmetrical shapes. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 10A through10C, weight 1018 is shown as generally a rectangular or square weightchip. The weight 1018 may be made from any desired material, includingone or more materials selected from the group of stainless steel, carbonsteel, titanium, aluminum, tungsten, graphite, lead, polymers, plastics,or composites or combinations thereof. In addition, if desired, weight1018 may be freely removable from the club head structure 1000 and/orinterchangeable with a plurality of alternative weights having differentsizes, shapes, and/or masses as compared to weight 1018. Such featuresmay be used to further control and/or vary the center or gravity,weighting characteristics, and/or feel characteristics of the golf clubhead 1000.

Weight 1018 may be connected to the front surface 1006 or back surface1008 of bridge member 1004, for example, using a rivet, set screw, orlocking pin 1020. Those skilled in the art will recognize, of course,that weight 1018 may be attached to and/or locked into position ontobridge member 1004 in any desired manner without departing from thisinvention, including in a wide variety of ways utilizing connectionhardware, such as locking screws, clamps, clips, clasps, etc., and/orusing adhesives or fusion techniques. Those skilled in the art also willrealize that more than one weight 1018 may be attached to bridge member1004 at various different locations without departing from thisinvention.

In the same manner as generally described above in connection with FIGS.1-9, the weight distribution of a golf club head 1000 and/or thelocation of the center of mass thereof may be controlled through the useof the bridge member 1004 and/or weight 1018 (and/or other features ofthe club head 1000, such as the feel altering element 1016, walls, etc.)in accordance with this illustrated example. As a more specific example,bridge member 1004 and/or weight 1018 may be used to increase the weightof the back of the golf club head 1000 relative to its striking face.This increase in weight toward the rear of golf club head 1000 altersthe center of gravity of golf club head 1000. By moving the center ofgravity lower and toward the rear of the golf club head 1000, a golfshot will tend to have an increased loft upon impact with a golf ball.By moving the center of gravity higher and toward the rear of the golfclub head 1000, a golf shot will tend to have a decreased loft and/or auser will be provided increased control over the golf shot upon impactwith a golf club.

With reference to FIGS. 10A through 10C, weight 1018 may be moved toallow user, designer, and/or club fitter adjustment and control of theposition of the center of gravity of club head 1000. By moving weight1018 to different locations as shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C, theposition of the center of gravity of the golf club head 1000 withrespect to the striking face may be varied and controlled. Inparticular, moving the center of gravity of golf club head 1000 relativeto the striking face may help improve the ball flight of a golfer havinga tendency to hit a golf ball toward the left or right of the fairwayand/or help prevent the golfer from hitting the ball too far to the leftor right of the fairway. For example, FIG. 10A shows weight 1018arranged toward the toe portion 1012 of golf club head 1000. Thisarrangement will tend to cause the golf ball to move toward the right ofa fairway (for a right-handed golfer) because the toe portion 1012 ofthe club head 1000 will tend to lag behind somewhat during the swing,thereby leaving the club head face somewhat open at impact with the golfball (as compared to the same swing without the weight 1018 at thisposition). Therefore, in the position of FIG. 10A, the club head 1000will have a fade or slice bias and/or may be useful to assist golferswith a tendency to draw or hook the ball. In FIG. 10C, the weight 1018is located toward the heel portion 1010 of the golf club head 1000,which will tend to cause the golf ball to move toward the left of thefairway (for a right-handed golfer) because the toe portion 1012 of theclub head will tend to be in front of the heel somewhat during theswing, thereby leaving the club head face somewhat closed at impact withthe golf ball (as compared with the same swing without weight 1018 atthis position). Therefore, in the position of FIG. 10C, the club head1000 will have a draw or hook bias and/or may be useful to assistgolfers with a tendency to fade or slice the ball. In FIG. 10B, theweight 1018 is attached to front surface 1006 near the center of bridgemember 1004, which will tend to produce a balanced or unbiased shotdirecting the golf ball along a straight route toward the middle of thefairway (assuming square contact is made during the swing).

FIGS. 11A through 11C illustrate another example of a golf club head1100 including a weight member 1102 as part of the club head structure1100. In this example structure 1100, the weight member 1102 has anelliptical shape. This elliptical shaped weight 1102 may be located invarious fixed positions on bridge member 1104, as shown by a comparisonof its location in FIGS. 11A through 11C. Additionally, the ellipticalshaped weight 1102 may be rotated to further vary and control theposition of the center of gravity of golf club head 1100 (e.g., controlits location in a second direction, such as in a vertical direction)with respect to the striking face. As discussed above, the position ofthe center of gravity of a golf club head in the generally verticaldirection influences whether a golf shot exhibits a high, archingtrajectory or a lower, flatter trajectory. Accordingly, rotating andpositioning the elliptical shaped weight 1102 above its point ofengagement with the bridge member 1104 will tend to raise the center ofgravity of golf club head 1100 somewhat. As noted above, raising thecenter of gravity of a golf club head 1100 helps the golfer propel agolf ball with a lower and more controlled trajectory. Alternatively,rotating and positioning the elliptical shaped weight 1102 below itspoint of engagement with the bridge member 1104 will tend to lower thecenter of gravity of golf club head 1100, to thereby better allow agolfer to propel a golf ball with additional loft.

As further shown in FIGS. 11A through 11C, the club head structure 1100includes a feel altering element 1106, e.g., provided between the bridgemember 1104 and the rear face 1108 of the club head structure 1100. Thefeel altering element 1106 may take on the various forms and/or beconnected with the remainder of the club head structure 1100 in anydesired manner, including the various forms and manners described abovein conjunction with FIGS. 1-9 for elements 232, 234, and/or 632.

The elliptical shaped weight 1102 may be connected to the front surface1110 and/or back surface 1112 of bridge member 1104 in any desiredmanner, such as using a set screw or locking pin 1114, a locking screw,clamps, clasps, clips, or other mechanical connectors. Those skilled inthe art will understand, of course, that the weight 1102 may be attachedto the club head 1100 in a wide variety of different manners, and thatit may have a wide variety of different shapes, compositions,structures, and the like without departing from this invention.Additionally, if desired, multiple weight members 1102, e.g.,elliptically or otherwise shaped, may be attached to the club head 1100without departing from this invention.

FIGS. 12A through 12D illustrate still another example of a club headstructure 1200 in accordance with this invention. As shown in FIGS. 12Athrough 12D, the golf club head 1200 includes a rear wall 1202 anddefines a rear cavity positioned opposite the ball-striking face. Abridge member 1204 having a front surface 1206 and a back surface 1208extends across the rear cavity in a direction of and/or connectingbetween the heel portion 1210 and the toe portion 1212 of the club head1200 (although bridge member 1204 connections at other locations alsoare possible as described above and illustrated, for example, in U.S.Pat. No. 6,450,897). Bridge member 1204 may be made in various shapes,various widths and/or thicknesses, and/or with uniform or non-uniformwidth and/or thickness over its length, as described above inconjunction with FIGS. 1-5A. The bridge member 1204 also may be formedwith and/or connected to the remainder of the golf club head structure1200 in any desired manner, including the manners described above inconjunction with FIGS. 1-11C.

If desired, in at least some examples of this invention, the bridgemember 1204 may be formed with the golf club head 1200 in a singlecasting thereby making the bridge member 1204 integral with the golfclub head 1200. As an alternative, bridge member 1204 may be connectedto the toe portion 1212 and/or heel portion 1210 (or other portions ofthe club head structure 1200) using set screws 1214. Those skilled inthe art will recognize, of course, that bridge member 1204 may beconnected to the toe portion 1212 and/or the heel portion 1210 (or otherportions of the club head structure 1200) using fewer or additionalconnection points and/or through numerous other connection means orsystems without departing from the present invention, as generallydescribed above.

As further shown in FIGS. 12A through 12C, the club head structure 1200includes a feel altering element 1216, e.g., provided between the bridgemember 1204 and the rear face 1202 of the club head structure 1200. Thefeel altering element 1216 may take on the various forms and/or beconnected with the remainder of the club head structure 1200 in anydesired manner, including the various forms and manners described abovein conjunction with FIGS. 1-9 for elements 232, 234, and/or 632.

In this illustrated structure 1200, bridge member 1204 includes a rail1218 formed in its front surface 1206. One example of a structure forrail 1218 is illustrated in FIG. 12D, which shows that the rail 1218includes a channel 1220 for engaging a first surface 1222 of a weight1224. A second surface 1226 of weight 1224 may slide along the outsideof rail 1218 allowing a golfer or club fitter to lock the weight 1224into a selected and desired place, e.g., with a set screw 1228. Ifdesired, the set screw 1228 may fit into one of plural recesses oropenings provided in channel 1220, to help assure that the weight 1224remains locked in place. A golfer utilizing the golf club head 1200 ofFIGS. 12A through 12D may freely position the weight 1224 at variouslocations along rail 1218. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the weight1224 may be located on rail 1218 in a location close to the toe portion1212 of golf club head 1200 (e.g., as an aid for golfers who tend tohook the ball to more readily hit the ball toward the center of thefairway and/or to provide a fade bias to the club head 1200). As analternative, as shown in FIG. 12B, weight 1224 may be located near thecenter of bridge member 1204, e.g., for use by golfers who tend to hitthe ball straight or who do not have a clearly established or biasedball flight tendency. As still another alternative, as shown in FIG.12C, the weight 1224 also may be located on rail 1218 at a locationcloser to the heel portion 1210 of the golf club head 1200 (e.g., as anaid for golfers who tend to slice the ball to more readily hit the balltoward the center of the fairway and/or to provide a draw bias to theclub head 1200). By moving weight 1224 along rail 1218 a golfer canselectively modify the position of the center of gravity of head 1200 ina first direction with respect to the striking face, e.g., to conform toa particular playing style and/or preference of the golfer, to helpcorrect consistently undesired ball flight, etc. Accordingly, the golfermay modify the typical flight path of the golf ball by repositioning thecenter of gravity of head 1200 with respect to club head's strikingface.

FIGS. 13A through 13C illustrate another example club head structure1300 in accordance with some examples of this invention. As shown inFIG. 13A, a golf club head 1300 according to this example structureincludes a heel portion 1302, a toe portion 1304, and a striking facethat provides a contact area for engaging a golf ball. The golf clubhead 1300 also includes a rear wall 1306 and defines a rear cavityopposite the striking face. A bridge member 1308 extends across the rearcavity in a direction between the toe portion 1304 and the heel portion1302. The golf club head 1300 further includes a weight positioningassembly 1310 integral to bridge member 1308. The weight positioningassembly 1310 includes a rail or groove 1312 and a weight 1314 movablyconnected to the rail 1312. The rail 1312 may extend from the frontsurface 1316 of bridge member 1308 through to its back surface 1318, orit may extend only partially through the thickness of the bridge member1308. The weight 1314 is movable along rail 1312 to vary a position of acenter of gravity of the golf club head 1300 in a first direction withrespect to the striking face (e.g., in the generally horizontaldirection and/or along the direction of the rail 1312), and it may belocked in place (e.g., via a screw 1320, locking pin, or other securingelement) to hold it in the desired position along the rail 1312.

The weight 1314 illustrated in the example of FIGS. 13A through 13C hasan elliptical shape. The elliptical shaped weight 1314 may be located invarious positions on bridge member 1308 and held in place, for example,using a washer and set screw 1320 combination (or other desired securingmechanism or structure). The weight 1314 also may be rotated to furthervary the position of the center of gravity of golf club head 1300 in asecond direction with respect to striking face, e.g., to generally varythe location of the center of gravity in the vertical direction, asdescribed above in conjunction with FIGS. 11A through 11C.

As described with respect to various other example structures, theposition of the center of gravity of golf club head 1300 influenceswhether a golf shot exhibits a high, arching trajectory or a low,flatter trajectory. Accordingly, rotating and positioning ellipticalshaped weight 1314 above the point of engagement with the bridge member1308 raises the center of gravity of golf club head 1300 somewhat.Raising the center of gravity of golf club head 1300 generally allows agolfer to propel a golf ball with a lower and more controlledtrajectory. Alternatively, rotating and positioning elliptical shapedweight 1314 below the point of engagement with the bridge member 1308lowers the center of gravity of golf club head 1300 somewhat, therebygenerally allowing a golfer to propel a golf ball higher, e.g., withadditional loft. By moving and rotating elliptical shaped weight 1314 intwo or three dimensions, a golfer or a club fitter has great flexibilityto position the center of gravity of the head 1300 with respect to thestriking face, as needed, e.g., to bias the club to induce specific shotshapes (e.g., fades, draws, etc.), to help correct ball path flightissues that occur due to certain swing faults, etc.

More specific examples of weight and center of gravity adjustment areillustrated by comparison of FIGS. 13A through 13C. As shown in FIG.13A, elliptical shaped weight 1314 is located on bridge member 1308 nearthe toe portion 1304 of golf club head 1300. In addition, the ellipticalshaped weight 1314 is rotated into a position above the point ofengagement of the weight 1314 with the bridge member 1308 and/or abovethe point of engagement between the club head 1300 and a golf ball, asindicated by the appearance of the elliptical portion of the weight 1314at an elevated position, partially above bridge member 1308 in FIG. 13A.This placement of elliptical shaped weight 1314 will tend to raise andshift the center of gravity of golf club head 1300 rearward and towardthe toe portion 1304 of the golf club head 1300. A golf ball hit withthis particular golf club head configuration will tend to propel thegolf ball with a lower and more controlled trajectory toward the rightof the fairway for a right-handed golfer (e.g., to help correct a hook,to provide a fade bias for the club, etc.).

As another example, FIG. 13B shows the elliptical shaped weight 1314located near the center of bridge member 1308 of golf club head 1300.Again, the elliptical shaped weight 1314 is rotated into a positionabove the point of engagement with the bridge member 1308 and/or abovethe point of engagement of the club head 1300 with a golf ball, asindicated by the elevated position of the elliptical portion of theweight 1314, appearing above bridge member 1308 in FIG. 13B. Thisplacement of elliptical shaped weight 1314 will tend to raise the centerof gravity of the golf club head 1300 and move it rearward. A golf ballhit with this particular golf club head configuration will tend topropel a golf ball with a lower and more controlled trajectory towardthe center of the fairway and/or without a bias for a ball flight toeither the right or left side of the fairway.

As a further example, FIG. 13C shows the elliptical shaped weight 1314located on bridge member 1308 near the heel portion 1302 of golf clubhead 1300. In addition, the elliptical shaped weight 1314 in thisillustrated example is rotated into a position below the point ofengagement of the weight 1314 with the bridge member 1308 and/or belowthe point of engagement of the club head 1300 with a golf ball, asindicated by the appearance of the elliptical portion of the weight 1314below bridge member 1308 in FIG. 13C. This placement of ellipticalshaped weight 1314 will tend to lower and shift the center of gravity ofgolf club head 1300 rearward toward the heel portion 1302 of golf clubhead 1300. A golf ball hit with this particular golf club headconfiguration will tend to propel the golf ball with a higher trajectorytoward the left of the fairway for a right-handed golfer (e.g., to helpcorrect a slice, to provide a draw bias for the club, etc.).

Of course, if desired, elliptical shaped weight 1314 may be replaced byalternate weights that have different shapes and/or different masses toincrease or decrease the degree to which the center of gravity of clubhead 1300 is repositioned. Various shapes, such as rectangular, oval,triangular, trapezoidal, square or other symmetrical or asymmetricalshapes may be utilized for the weight member 1314. Elliptical shapedweight 1314 or other desired weighting members may be made of variousmaterials such as lead, stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium,aluminum, tungsten, graphite, polymers, plastics or composites orcombinations thereof. The weight also may be placed along the frontsurface 1316 of the bridge member 1308 without departing from theinvention. Any combination of weight member(s) 1314, weight location(s)along the rail 1312, and/or rotational positioning of the ellipticalweight(s) 1314 may be used without departing from this invention.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate still additional examples of club headstructures 1400 and 1500 with weighting members 1402 and 1502 accordingto examples of the present invention. In these example structures, aplurality of weights 1402 and 1502 are attached to a bridge member 1404and 1504 in a combination of configurations, e.g., as previouslydescribed above, to vary and control the position of the center ofgravity of a golf club head 1400 and 1500. For example, as shown in FIG.14, a plurality of weights 1402 may be movably attached to plural railsor grooves 1406 provided on a single bridge member 1404, e.g., in themanners described above in conjunction with FIGS. 12A through 13C. Whenplural rails are present, they may be in any desired arrangement withrespect to one another (e.g., essentially collinear, stacked,overlapping, etc.) Alternatively, if desired, the weights 1402 may bepositioned at fixed locations on a bridge member, e.g., as describedabove in conjunction with FIGS. 10A through 11C. As still anotheroption, if desired, one or more weights may be located at a fixedposition on a bridge member while one or more other weights are movablyconnected to a rail or other variable weight positioning assembly. Asstill another example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, plural weights 1502may be movably connected to a single rail 1506 on bridge member 1504 toadd additional weight to the back of the club head 1500 and to allow oneto further vary and control the position of the center of gravity ofgolf club head 1500. One or more of the weights 1500 may be ellipticallyshaped, as illustrated in the FIG. 15, or shaped in some other mannerwithout departing from this invention.

While the examples illustrated in FIGS. 9-15 generally show a club headof the type shown in FIGS. 6-9 (e.g., with a wall member 630 providedabove the bridge member 624 and a feel altering member 632 provided andvisible in the open area below the bridge member 624), those skilled inthe art will appreciate that one or more of the same features of theinvention shown in FIGS. 9-15 may be practiced in a club head of thetype illustrated in FIGS. 1-5A (e.g., with a wall member 230 providedbelow the bridge member 224 and a feel altering member 232 and/or 234provided and visible in the open area above the bridge member 224)and/or in a club head that does not include an additional wall member230 and 630 (e.g., and the feel altering member, when present, may bevisible both above and below the bridge member).

Golf club heads in accordance with examples of the present invention maybe incorporated into a set, e.g., a set of iron and/or hybrid type golfclubs. For example, aspects of the present invention may be used toprovide a club set with increasing numbered iron golf clubs, such as twoor more of hybrid type clubs, driving irons, a zero iron, a one iron, atwo iron, a three iron, a four iron, a five iron, a six iron, a seveniron, an eight iron, a nine iron, a ten iron, a pitching wedge, a lobwedge, a gap wedge, a sand wedge, etc. With the present invention, agolfer, a club designer, and/or a club fitter may modify the position ofthe center of gravity for each golf club to meet the player's uniquerequirements, skill, or playing style. For each club in the set, thebridge member (and/or other features of the club head, such as wallmembers, feel altering members, weighting members, etc) mayprogressively change to alter the center of gravity of one club memberwith respect to the others in the set, to make the center of gravitybetter suited for use of the particular club, optionally customized foruse by a specific golfer.

III. Conclusion

The present invention is described above and in the accompanyingdrawings with reference to a variety of example structures, features,elements, and combinations of structures, features, and elements. Thepurpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of thevarious features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit thescope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat numerous variations and modifications may be made to theembodiments described above without departing from the scope of thepresent invention, as defined by the appended claims. For example, thevarious features and concepts described above in conjunction with FIGS.1-15 may be used individually and/or in any combination orsubcombination without departing from this invention.

1. A golf club head, comprising: a body including a striking face havinga contact area for engaging a golf ball and a rear cavity, the rearcavity opposite the striking face; a bridge member extending across atleast a portion of the rear cavity; an altering element provided betweenthe bridge member and the rear face; and a weight member engaged withthe bridge member and provided to affect, at least in part, a positionof a center of gravity of the golf club head.
 2. A golf club headaccording to claim 1, wherein the weight member is selectively movableto different locations on the bridge member.
 3. A golf club headaccording to claim 2, wherein the different locations on the bridgemember are independent fixed locations.
 4. A golf club head according toclaim 2, wherein the weight member is rotatable and fixable at differentrotational positions to further affect the position of the center ofgravity of the golf club head.
 5. A golf club head according to claim 2,wherein the weight member is removably mounted on the bridge member. 6.A golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the bridge member furtherincludes a rail formed therein.
 7. A golf club head according to claim6, wherein the weight member is shaped to engage and slide along therail to vary the position of the center of gravity of the golf clubhead.
 8. A golf club head according to claim 7, further comprising alocking mechanism to secure the weight member to the rail.
 9. A golfclub head according to claim 1, wherein the altering element includes apolymeric material.
 10. A golf club head according to claim 1, whereinthe altering element affects a vibrational response of the club headduring impact with a golf ball.
 11. A golf club head according to claim1, wherein the altering element defines a fluid-tight chamber.
 12. Agolf club head according to 11, wherein the chamber includes a gas. 13.A golf club head, comprising: a body including a heel, a toe, a strikingface, the striking face having a contact area for engaging a golf ball,and a rear cavity, the rear cavity opposite the striking face; a bridgemember extending across at least a portion of the rear cavity; analtering element provided between the bridge member and the rear face;and a weight positioning assembly integral to the bridge member, theweight positioning assembly including a rail and a weight member movablyconnected to the rail, the weight member being movable along the rail,at least in part, to affect a position of a center of gravity of thegolf club head in a first direction, the weight member further beingrotatable, at least in part, to further affect the position of thecenter of gravity of the golf club head in a second direction.
 14. Agolf club head according to claim 13, wherein the altering elementincludes a polymeric material.
 15. A golf club head according to claim13, wherein the altering element affects a vibrational response of theclub head during impact with a golf ball.
 16. A golf club head accordingto claim 13, wherein the altering element defines a fluid-tight chamber.17. A golf club head according to claim 16, wherein the chamber includesa gas.
 18. A golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the alteringelement affects a sound generated by the club head during impact with agolf ball.
 19. A golf club, comprising: a body including a striking facehaving a contact area for engaging a golf ball and a rear cavity, therear cavity opposite the striking face; a bridge member extending acrossat least a portion of the rear cavity; a feel altering element providedbetween the bridge member and the rear face; a weight member engagedwith the bridge member and provided to affect, at least in part, aposition of a center of gravity of the golf club head; and a shaftmember extending from the body.
 20. A golf club according to claim 19,wherein the weight member is selectively movable to different locationson the bridge member.
 21. A golf club according to claim 19, wherein theweight member is rotatable and fixable at different rotationalpositions, at least in part, to further affect the position of thecenter of gravity of the golf club head.
 22. A golf club according toclaim 19, wherein the feel altering element affect a vibrationalresponse of the club head during impact with a golf ball.
 23. A golfclub according to claim 19, wherein the feel altering element defines afluid-tight chamber.
 24. A golf club, comprising: a body including aheel, a toe, a striking face, the striking face having a contact areafor engaging a golf ball, and a rear cavity, the rear cavity oppositethe striking face; a bridge member extending across at least a portionof the rear cavity; an altering element provided between the bridgemember and the rear face; a weight positioning assembly integral to thebridge member, the weight positioning assembly including a rail and aweight member movably connected to the rail, the weight member beingmovable along the rail, at least in part, to affect a position of acenter of gravity of the golf club head in a first direction, the weightmember further being rotatable, at least in part, to further affect theposition of the center of gravity of the golf club head in a seconddirection; and a shaft member extending from the body.
 25. A golf clubaccording to claim 24, wherein the altering element affects avibrational response of the club head during impact with a golf ball.26. A golf club according to claim 24, wherein the altering elementdefines a fluid-tight chamber.